Marbleseed, in partnership with Wisconsin Women in Conservation is hosting a field day at Blackbrook Farm in Amery on Sept. 10 from 1-4 p.m.
Blackbrook Farm is operated by WiWiC Conservation Coach Ayla Graden-Dodge and her husband. Hear and see firsthand how they are overcoming unique challenges presented by their farm’s sandy soils in both their vegetable operation and pasture establishment for the livestock they have integrated into their operation. Ayla will also share how they have worked with the NRCS to implement conservation on their farm by establishing some pollinator habitat and using cover crops.
All women farmers, landowners and conservationists from Polk, Carron, Dunn and surrounding counties are welcome to attend — whatever your background, from beginners to experts.
The 140-acre farm outside of Amery has a scenic and diverse mixture of tillable land, pasture, woods, pond and a stream. Their farm is home to pasture-raised hogs, a small herd of Scottish Highland cattle and pastured chickens for meat. These animals help them to improve the soil through their manure as well as rooting and pecking the ground. They love to eat quack grass and veggie scraps from their organic vegetable CSA operation. They value this composting cycle that keeps inputs lower, builds soil and gives the best life to these healthy animals. In 2022, they will be growing roughly five acres of Certified Organic vegetable crops, with the remaining acres in either organic alfalfa hay, pollinator habitat, cover crop, fallow or home to their animals.
Register for the event: https://www.wiwic.org/event-details/field-day-blackbrook-farm/
Event Details:
- event is free but registration is required because space is limited
- dress for the weather; bring a sunhat, sunscreen and good walking shoes
- no masks are required; social distancing is encouraged
- photos will be taken at the event; if you do not want your photo taken, let WiWiC know
- children are welcome
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